Billy Napier continues red hot recruiting streak in landing first recruit in the 2027 class with incredible upside

Collins committing just days after the start of the 2027 recruiting class says a lot about the Gators program and how much he wants to be here. Napier and the Gators hosted the Grille in the Ville event over the weekend, where they made their early 2027 targets the priority.

Collins ranks as the 105th overall player in the 2027 class and the ninth-ranked junior in the state of Florida. He played both ways last year for Cottondale High School in the town of the same name. His skill set is all over the board as well, thriving as a rusher and receiver.

Listed at 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds, Collins had 13 catches for 402 yards (30.9 yards a reception) to go along with 661 rushing yards on 31 carries (21.3 yards a rush) last season. He scored 15 offensive touchdowns. Additionally, Collins recorded 33 tackles and an interception on defense.

Getting him to commit is also a major win for the Gators in another way, as they beat out Tennessee for him, including going on record of this being his fourth time in Gainesville.

“I talked to my parents and stuff about [committing to the Florida Gators],” Collins said. “This is like my fourth time being up here. I just felt comfortable with the school and like the coaches and everything.”

Napier has done a great job of recruiting as of late, and getting a jumpstart on the 2027 class is a good thing to see. Last June, 2026 four-star quarterback Will Griffin also committed in June, and he was very firm in his commitment going into the 2025 season.

Collins' commitment also sends a signal that Napier's future isn't much in doubt, which is a great thing to see.